Slow Cooker Pork Roast and Sauerkraut

This slow cooker pork roast and sauerkraut recipe with apples and onions is a great way to make pork roast and sauerkraut in a crock pot. Grandma’s traditional New Year’s Day dinner made easier!

Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

My Polish Slovak family has been cooking pork and sauerkraut together forever. Whether it was kielbasa and sauerkraut or roast pork for good luck on New Year’s Day, this classic combination has long been a family favorite!

Grandma used to roast the pork in the oven, but I find it easier to make pork and sauerkraut in a crock pot. It’s the perfect cooking method for this easy meal.

I add a little brown sugar and a chopped apple for sweetness and to balance out the tangy sauerkraut. Even my picky eaters love this easy recipe. It’s definitely comfort food!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this traditional dish. They should be easy to find in your grocery store. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Pork loin roast — boneless pork loin NOT pork tenderloin
• Sauerkraut — I use a jar of sauerkraut, but a bag or cans will also work.
• Apple — I use a Granny Smith apple chopped into smaller pieces. You can use your favorite baking apple variety here.
• Onion — chopped, for flavor
• Brown sugar — to cut the tartness from the sauerkraut. You can use maple syrup if you like.
• Apple juice — Makes a delicious sauce for the roast. You can use chicken broth, apple cider or even water.
• Seasonings — sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder

How to Make Pork Roast and Sauerkraut in a Crock Pot

First, drain and rinse the sauerkraut. Then, squeeze out as much of the sauerkraut juice as you can. It will still have plenty of flavor. If you are a true fan of all things sauerkraut, you can skip this step.

Place the sauerkraut, onions, brown sugar and chopped apples in the bottom of the crockpot.

Then, place the pork roast, fat cap side up, on top of the sauerkraut mixture. Pour the apple juice over and around the pork roast.

Then, sprinkle the seasoning on top of the pork roast. I like to pat the seasoning mixture into the roast.

Cooking Time

Cook the sauerkraut and pork for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F according to a meat thermometer.

Cook time will vary with different brands and models of slow cookers. I have a 7-quart crockpot, and the roast was done in 5 hours.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover pork roast in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze this hearty meal for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Helpful Tips

When the roast is done, slice into smaller pieces and keep warm simmering in the juices until ready to serve.

If you are using a different cut of pork, like pork butt or pork shoulder roast, the cook time will be longer. You can also use thick cut pork chops in this recipe.

Serve the roast over mashed potatoes or with roasted potatoes and applesauce. On New Years Day, add a side of black eyed pea salsa for extra luck and good fortune in the coming year!

More Easy Pork Roast Recipes

If you love pork roasts and pork recipes, try my maple mustard pork roast or my slow cooker pork roast and apples. If you have an electric pressure cooker, try Instant Pot pulled pork recipe.

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